Office of Leadership & Engagement

Voter Registration Portal: Use this portal as a one stop location to register to vote or check to see if you are already registered!

• In-person: 27 days before Election Day, after which you may register during the early voting period through Election Day.
• Online: 16 days before Election Day
• Grace period: You can also register in person (and vote) at your local elections office during the "grace period." The grace period starts 27 days before Election Day and ends on Election Day. Grace Period Voting does not take place at your regular polling place. Grace Period Voting almost always happens at your local election office. Contact the election authority in your county for more information.

Same day registration is available during early voting or on election day. During this time frame, you can register and vote at the same time. Proper identification is required. 

If you wish to register in another state, you can find voter registration forms for your state online at Vote.gov. You can also check your registration status in another state if you are unsure of your voter registration status.

By Mail

If you cannot make it to a polling place during an early voting time or on Election Day, you can request a Coles County vote by mail ballot. When you receive your application in the mail, you'll need to fill it out and sign it according to the instructions.

Vote Early

Avoid lines on election day and vote early. All students registered in Coles County are eligible to vote early on campus in the MLK Union bridgeway or at the Coles County Courthouse.

EIU will be hosting a Vote Early day!

Early voting will be available Sept. 24-Nov. 4. Check here for specific hours.

Vote on Election Day: Nov. 5

Voting in the General Election

“Voting is your civic duty.” This is a pretty common sentiment, especially each November as Election Day approaches. Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Many people in countries around the world do not have the same freedom, nor did many Americans in centuries past. No matter what you believe or whom you support, it is important to exercise your rights.

In the general election, we vote for the President of the United States, as well as some other positions including candidates for Congress, Senate, and some state and local representatives.  Check BallotReady to see who will be on your ballot.

Voting in a Local Election

People are often aware of presidential and midterm year elections in November but often overlook the spring municipal elections. The municipal elections are held every other year (odd-numbered years) and elect positions such as mayor, township and city council members, school board members, and more. These are the officials that make decisions on issues, such as affordable housing and rental properties, buses and transportation, parking, law enforcement, public safety, and green spaces etc.that directly impact students and community members.These races often come down to just a handful of votes, so every vote counts! The outcomes of these elections can have a huge impact on the day-to-day workings of our community. As an EIU student, you have the option to register to vote using your local address where you live for most of the year and where many issues have an impact on you while you live here.

Be informed and prepared for election day by knowing what candidates will be on the ballot and where they stand on the issues. Sample ballots are available on the Coles County Clerk's website. BallotReady and Vote411 (supported by the League of Women Voters) are also great resources for identifying who will be on your ballot.

Check out My Reps to learn about who is currently representing you. 

You must have two forms of ID, both must have your name and one must have your current address. A sample list of ID are listed below. 

• Passport or military ID
• Driver's license or State ID card
• College/university/school/work ID
• Business mail postmarked to the applicant (including mail sent from EIU)
• Library card
• Vehicle registration card
• Lease, mortgage or deed to the home
• Credit or debit card
• Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid card
• Insurance card
• Payroll check/personal check
• Voter registration card
• Social Security card
• Bank statement
• Birth certificate
• Utility bill in applicant's name